AT&T and Verizon Delay 5G Rollout Over FAA’s Airplane Safety Concerns

AT&T and Verizon agreed to delay their planned December 5 rollout of a new 5G frequency band so they can work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address concerns about potential interference with key cockpit safety systems. AT&T said it agreed to delay its planned 5G deployment until January 5 at the request of the US Transportation Department, which oversees the FAA. Verizon also agreed to postpone its launch of the new 5G wireless spectrum by about a month, people familiar with the matter said. At issue is a band of radio frequencies measured between 3.7 and 4.2 gigahertz, known as the C-band. The Federal Communications Commission, which oversees telecommunications regulations, issued a statement with the FAA confirming the voluntary pause. “Aviation safety and technology leadership are national priorities, and with today’s announcement these companies have demonstrated their commitment to both,” the federal agencies said, naming both carriers. The agencies said they would continue working closely together to ensure the US keeps pace with the rest of the world regarding the latest communications technologies, without undue delay.